Domestic Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis):

The Domestic Water Buffalo is quite common on the trails of Lantau. These domesticated buffalo's are still wild animals and so should be avoided, and certainly should not be fed.

Domestic Ox (Bos taurus):

The Domestic Ox is also common on the trails of Lantau and come with the same warning as the Domestic Water Buffalo. Avoid them where possible and do not feed them.

Domestic Cat (Felis catus):

Many cats can be seen running wild throughout Hong Kong. This cat (pictured below) was seen on the hiking trail from Tung Chung to Tai O.

Changeable Lizard (Calotes versicolor):

I saw this lizard on a hike from Tung Chung to Tai O. They are quite common throughout Hong Kong, however it may be difficult to spot one as they scare easily and are very fast.

Changeable Lizards feed mainly on insects and small vertebrates including rodents and other lizards. They swallow their prey whole as their teeth are not designed for chewing, just to hold their prey.

The image below shows a female. Males are more colorful, especially during breeding season with a red neck and chest area.

Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko):

I was lucky to spot this gecko hiding in a tree cavity about 3 meters up the trunk of a tree on the hiking trail from Tung Chung to Tai O. This is a nocturnal reptile so it is rather unusual that I spotted it during the day.

This gecko can reach up to 40cm in length. The image below most likely shows a male, as they are more colorful than females.

These gecko's may bite, and are very difficult to get off, often holding their bite anywhere from up to a few minutes to an hour. The only way to remove them is to submerge them in water which will settle them down or to put a drop of vinegar on the gecko's nose!

Long-tailed Skink (Mabuya longicaudata):

This critter was a little quick and hence the full view of this Long-tailed Skink is very blurry, however I did get the shot of it's head peeking from it's hiding place below.

Common Asian Toad (Bufo melanostictus):

This species of toad grows to a maximum size of about 20cm and breeds during monsoon season. The picture of it's tadpoles (below) was taken in May just as the warmer, more humid weather is hitting Hong Kong.

When we capture a picture of an adult Common Asian Toad, we will update this description.

Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans):

The Red-eared Slider is a semi-aquatic turtle native to the southern United States. The have become common throughout the World due to the pet trade. They get their name from the red mark around their ears. These turtles are most often seen on a rock basking in the sun, as was this one until it escaped into the water when it saw me coming.

Sharpbelly (Hemiculter leucisculus):

This wild carp also goes by the common name of Korean sharpbelly and/or Common Sawbelly.

Mudskipper (Periophthalmus modestus):

These fish grow up to about 8cm in length and can be seen near the upper shoreline on rocks or in the mud.

Shrimp (Macrobrachium sp.):

Cryptosoma imperator:

Praying Mantis (Statilia maculata):

Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sp.):

Pictured below is the Nymph of a Tenodera sp.

Blue-spotted Tiger Beetle (Cicindela aurulenta):

Loads of these Blue-Spotted Tiger Beetles were spotted on Lantau Trail Stage 6.

Leaf Footed Bug (Family Coreidae):

As with the Tallow Stink Bug below, Family Coreidae bugs also feed on local plant life. They will also emit an odor from their glands if handled.

Tallow Stink Bug (Erthesina fullo):

Pictured below is a Tallow Stink Bug. I spotted this one on the hiking trail from Tung Chung to Tai O, allongside the airport.

These bugs feed on local plant life. They get their name because, when handled, they emit a sweet odor from their glands.

Below is the nymph of a Tallow Stink Bug.

Caenocoris marginatus:

Woodlouse (Suborder Oniscidea):

Millipede (Class Diplopoda):

Thorn Mimic Treehopper (Family Membracidae, Leptocentrus sp.):

Spotted Black Cicada (Gaeana maculata):

This insect is a Spotted Black Cicada. It is rather large in size with a body length of about 4cm and a wingspan of about 9cm. They are not too noisy, however their flying style is rather clumsy so don't be too surprised if they fly right into you.

Large Brown Cicada (Cryptotympana sp.):

Stick Insect (Entoria sp.):